September 2017

Monday, September 25, 2017

Here is my take on the sketch. I really struggled with this one for some reason. I think it was because I was hung up on a using a big piece of dsp below the image. It wasn't until I substituted the background stamp from the Hello Color stamp set that I started to feel like I was having some success.

But even then, one measly little piece of DSP didn't do the trick. It wasn't until I added a second strip of Lemon Lime designer series paper and some flowers to the sentiment did I feel like I had finally created a share-worthy card. I am telling you this because I want you to know that everyone struggles with their designs from time-to-time.

Things may look perfect on my blog, but what you don't see is how many times things end up half-finished on my desk, or worse yet, they end up in the trash. The one thing I try NOT to do is give up! When you are on a design team, it really isn't an option. If something doesn't work one way, try something else. I can't tell you how many times I just sit and stare at a card in progress. My husband likes to ask, "If you stare at it long enough will it talk to you?" "Why yes, sometimes it will!", I proclaim. But sometimes I have to walk away for a few hours, or maybe even sleep on it before I figure out what needs to be done. Sometimes, I just have to start over and go a totally different direction. In most cases, it is only paper and ink. There is no shame in trying something, finding out it doesn't turn out in real life like you imagined in your head, and then abandoning the idea. It may be something you can try again later using a different approach.

Another thing I do when I can't seem to figure out what is wrong with a card is take a picture of it with my smart phone. You would be amazed at how much clarity you get with this method. Often times it is a matter of balance. Taking a photo allows you to look at things from a different perspective. If that doesn't work, I send the picture to a friend and ask her advice. Of course, it helps if that friend is also a talented card maker who will be totally honest with you. I am blessed to have several friends whom I trust to offer helpful advice.

The most important thing is to stop trying to please everyone else! I can't stress this enough. If you like what you create and it makes you happy, then that is all that matters. Remember, not everything you design is going to appeal to everyone. People have different styles and tastes. For every person who likes your card there will be someone out there who doesn't. Since I am a bit of a perfectionist, this is something I have to remind myself of often. As long as your card follows good design principles and is well made (ie. clean cuts, neat stamping, good workmanship) don't worry about what others may think.

Now back to my card for this week's challenge. Besides the background stamp, it uses the Colorful Seasons stamp set along with the Seasonal Layers and Stitched Layers die set. The papers used are from the Birthday Memories and Fresh Florals designer series paper stacks. I love how the bright colors pop off of the neutral Crumb Cake card base. Isn't this a great color combo as well!

I hope I have given you some tips you can use. We would love to have you play along with us this week. Be sure to check out what the other talented designers/players have created for this fun challenge at the Global Design Project Challenge Blog.

I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATOR

If you are in the United States and need a demonstrator, then you can order your supplies in my online store here.

Monday, September 18, 2017

We have a great color challenge this week at the Global Design Project challenge blog. One of the things that strikes me about this color pallet is the spring-like colors. You have to remember, this is a global team and while it is autumn on some places, it is springtime in other parts of the world. So, even though we are experiencing the beautiful colors of fall here in the USA, that just isn't the case for some of our other team members.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that one of my favorite stamp sets in the Annual Catalog is Colorful Seasons and coordinating Seasonal Layers Thinlits, primarily for the beautiful sentiments, but also for the versatility of the images. What first looks like a second flower in the set can also be used as leaves.

If you look closely, I added some veins to the flowers and leaves with the fine tip of the coordinating Stampin' Write markers. It doesn't take much time and it adds a lot of visual interest to the finished card. I also used the Peekaboo Peach marker to add some splatters to the background. I love the fact that there are coordinating dies for the flowers and leaves. It makes it easy to add dimension.

I love how the flowers just pop off the card front and the small rhinestone centers add just the right amount of sparkle.

We would love to have you play along with us this week. Be sure to check out what the other talented designers/players have created for this fun challenge at the Global Design Project Challenge Blog.

I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATOR

If you are in the United States and need a demonstrator, then you can order your supplies in my online store here.

Monday, September 11, 2017

This week at the Global Design Project challenge blog we are CASEing this lovely card by Allison Okamitsu.

Sometimes life just gets crazy and you have to step back and create something obvious. Not to make excuses, but between work, attending a funeral, and some other major family obligations, I just need to "not think". So, what do you get when you combine Allison's great sketch card with the August Paper Pumpkin kit?

That's right! I basically stepped-up the August Paper Pumpkin kit by CASEing Allison's challenge card. I had to add a few additional items such as the navy gingham bow and a small rhinestone to the flower center. I also used a Peekaboo Peach Ink Pad to stamp the background.

While I had the Paper Pumpkin Kit on my desk, I decided to throw in an bonus alternative project based on the CASE challenge. To create this box, I cut one of the card bases in half and made a box bottom with the white piece and a box top with the coral piece. This is a very basic box. I scored 3/4" from the sides and snipped the corners.

We would love to have you play along with us this week. Be sure to check out what the other talented designers/players have created for this fun challenge at the Global Design Project Challenge Blog.

I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATOR

If you are in the United States and need a demonstrator, then you can order your supplies in my online store here.

Monday, September 04, 2017

That's right, we are focusing on cards for the men in our lives! I almost skipped this week because I struggle with masculine cards, but I took a deep breath and decided to go for it. It isn't too difficult if you remember a few basic concepts...keep it fairly simple, use natural elements, stay away from flowers, and eliminate frilly bows! Of course, there are always exceptions, but this is a good starting place.

You may not realize it just by glancing at this card, but I did something a little special with the card base. Instead of just slapping down a piece of DSP, I cut it into one inch wide "planks" and laid it on a diagonal. By doing this, I gave some extra texture to the card and it really looks like genuine wood flooring. Just be sure to sponge the edges with some Early Espresso ink to prevent the white edges from showing.

To create the word "friend" I die cut three layers in Early Espresso cardstock and added a final top layer of the Wood Textures DSP. I also stamped the sentiment on Cajun Craze cardstock in Early Espresso ink. The Old Olive leaf draws your eye to the focal point and adds some much needed color. Finally, I added some Linen Thread, but tied it underneath the front panel to keep it from being too feminine.

We would love to have you play along with us this week. Be sure to check out what the other talented designers/players have created for this fun challenge at the Global Design Project Challenge Blog.

I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATOR

If you are in the United States and need a demonstrator, then you can order your supplies in my online store here.